Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) can damage the nerves behind your eyes leading to loss of peripheral vision. If untreated, tunnel vision and eventually complete loss of vision may occur. Treatment with laser therapy or eye drops can reduce the pressure and prevent further damage.

SLT laser uses light energy to stimulate the drains of the eye to reduce the amount of aqueous fluid and lower IOP. This can prevent glaucoma progression and further visual loss. One of the advantages of SLT is that it is safely repeatable when needed.

Patients with open-angle glaucoma with elevated intraocular pressure. SLT can be used alone or as an addition to eye drops.

SLT has very few side effects and usually causes less redness and irritation than eye drops. Most patients experience some soreness and light sensitivity for a few days after SLT. Inflammation is usually mild. There is a small risk of temporary high eye pressures shortly following the laser treatment. This is usually controlled with glaucoma medications.

No, glaucoma is a chronic progressive disease that requires long-term monitoring and treatment. The SLT procedure helps to lower your eye pressure and prevent further loss of vision. However, it will not reverse any damage that has already occurred.